Myanmar Battles Rising Sex Abuse

UN warns violence against women a ‘silent emergency’ across the country

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Officially, rape hardly happens in Myanmar and domestic abuse is non-existent. The reality? Violence against women is so pervasive it is regarded as normal — and as a result — woefully underreported, says lawyer and activist Hla Hla Yee.

“Domestic abuse in Myanmar is regarded as a family matter and even if it is reported, the police fail to take action,” she explains, adding that many still view it as a normal part of marriage that women must endure.